Clare Daly
Ceist:132. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has a facility to accept online bookings for admission fees to each heritage site under its remit. [20689/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 May 2019
Ceisteanna (132)
Freagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works initiated the provision of online booking facilities at Heritage Visitor sites within its remit in 2016. Currently, the following sites have online facilities:
- Kilmainham Goal
- Dublin Castle
- Clonmacnoise
- Brú na Bóinne (incorporating Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Newgrange and Knowth.)*
- Castletown House
- Farmleigh House
- Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh/Pearse Cottage
Sites currently being developed include:
- Kilkenny Castle
- Cahir Castle
- Emo Court
- Doneraille Court
- Rock of Cashel
Given the nature of heritage sites, which are widely dispersed throughout the country and where there are technical limitations in certain heritage buildings, the selection of sites for treatment under this programme depends on a number of factors including addressing larger and busier sites as priorities. In addition, it should be reflected that not all Heritage sites are paid admission and will not therefore benefit from online ticketing.
* Currently, the Brú site is undergoing refurbishment and as a concession to Visitors has temporarily been declared free admission. Online Booking facilities have therefore been suspended for the duration of the project.